Flats plan for old folk’s home

ST Clement’s Court, the former old people’s sheltered housing, has been sold to a London property developer.

The home, off Eldon Street, will be refurbished and turned into private rented flats.

Former owners Anchor Housing Association decided to close the 37-year-old scheme last year because its bedsit flats fell out of favour with older people.

It had 30 bedsits with a tiny kitchen, bathroom and lounge which also doubled as a bedroom, plus six flats with a separate double bedroom.

Anchor said the costs of converting the bedsits into larger flats was too high. Residents were rehoused by Oldham Council working with Anchor.

The joint sale by the council and Anchor to Grovebank Properties Ltd means the Council makes money because it owns the land which was leased.

Grovebank intend to refurbish and maintain the property as rentable private accommodation.